Cricket Flour is the new source of protein in the market. It is gaining much popularity, especially among athletes, as a sustainable protein. Athletes need more energy than a normal person due to their physical training. And they need good high-quality protein which can support their activity regime and strengthen their stressed muscles.
Cricket powder has become the next superfood due to its protein and nutrient content. It has 3 times more protein than sirloin and 2 times more than chicken. And producing it requires fewer resources, is economical, and eco-friendly.
What is Cricket Flour?
Cricket flour, as the name suggests, is made from crickets. The whole crickets are crushed into a fine powder with a mild, nutty flavor.
The cricket powder works as a substitute for meat. It contains all the essential nutrients and is easily digestible and sustainable. The flour is power-packed with proteins, all 9 amino acids, prebiotic fiber, iron, and vitamins B12.
An average person needs approx. 0.5-0.75 gm of protein per 500 gm of body weight. However, an athlete requires 0.8-0.85 grams of protein per 500 gm of body weight.
Buildings Blocks of Protein in Cricket Flour
The building blocks of the protein in cricket flour are amino acids. It contains all 9 amino acids making it an ideal complete protein source for health.
The 9 essential amino acids are histidine, leucine, isoleucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, valine, and threonine.
Cricket Flour Nutrition
Cricket flour contains an array of nutrients as it is made from ground-up crickets.
Research shows crickets are 65% protein by weight, have more Iron than beef, and contain higher calcium than milk [1]. It is also rich in Vitamin B12, B2, and all 9 amino acids.
Cricket powder is a good source for muscle building and strengthening, stabilizing blood sugar levels, weight management, etc.
The nutrition profile of cricket powder includes:
- 65% protein (by volume)
- 9 essential amino acids
- 15% more Iron (than spinach)
- Fiber
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin B2
- Calcium (higher than milk)
- Gluten-free
Cricket Flour Benefits
The health benefits of consuming cricket flour are endless. Let us have a look in detail.
It is Environmental Friendly
It is one of the most sustainable proteins. Farming cricket requires minimum infrastructure, resources, and food compared to other animals like cows and pigs. A small cricket farm can produce tons of crickets annually.
Gives a Feeling of Fullness
A protein diet makes you feel full compared to a carbohydrate or fat diet. Athletes who need more energy for a longer duration can rely on cricket powder.
It is helpful if you want to lose weight, as it reduces your appetite level, and you may not feel hungry for a long time.
Boosts Metabolism
Consuming a protein-rich diet regulates your appetite and boosts metabolism. It happens because of the thermic effect in which the body uses energy to absorb, digest, and dispose of nutrients.
If you want to lose some extra pounds, you should switch to a protein-rich diet as it helps to raise the metabolic rate.
Strengthens and Maintains Muscles
Proteins help in strengthening your muscles and maintaining muscle mass. It also prevents muscle deterioration.
To increase muscle mass in your body, you need to increase your protein intake.
Helps with Muscle Recovery and Growth
If you are doing strenuous workouts daily, you should consume a protein-rich diet that helps build and strengthen muscle growth.
High-quality protein containing all amino acids helps strengthen muscle growth and recovery after endurance and resistance training.
Faster Recovery from Injury
Sometimes it takes a long time for natural healing and causes inflammation and muscle loss. This further leads to immobilization. Eating a high protein diet can trigger the muscle to repair itself and speed up recovery.
Improves Gut Health
The study shows cricket powder contains probiotic fiber that helps reduce systematic inflammation and irritable bowel diseases.
It also helps with a stronger immune system, more energy, and better overall health.
Good Source of Vitamin B12
Cricket flour is a rich source of vitamin B12. One serving of cricket powder contains 17% of the daily requirement for vitamin B12 [2].
Vitamin B12 helps to maintain energy levels in the body, prevents memory loss, helps the nervous system to work properly, and supports heart health [3].
It is Gluten-Free
Cricket flour is gluten-free and hence can be easily digestible. Many people have allergies to white and wheat flour as they are hard to digest.
Cricket powder helps to improve digestion, reduces weight loss, increases energy levels, and improves thyroid problems [4].
Helps in Reducing Weight
Research suggests that cricket flour helps in losing weight. It is high in proteins making you feel full, i.e., you will feel less hungry. Cricket powder is an excellent way to replace a high-carb and high-fat diet. It contains only 0.8 gm of carbs per serving.
Risks
Although consuming cricket powder daily in your diet is safe. However, you should refrain from eating if you are allergic to shellfish [5].
Cricket Flour Taste
The taste of cricket flour is simple and nutty. It is suitable for sweet and savory food as it can easily disguise itself with other ingredients and flavors.
In other words, it has a subtle earthly taste.
Cricket Flour vs. Regular Flour
Cricket flour has become the favorite protein for celebrities and athletes due to its nutrient value and other health benefits. It is high in proteins and low in carbohydrates and fats than regular flour.
Cricket powder helps in providing more energy for a longer duration. And it also aids in losing weight as you feel fuller.
Regular flour contains more carbs and is unsuitable for people with gluten allergies. In contrast, cricket flour is gluten-free and suitable for everyone.
Bottom Line
Cricket flour is 100% made up of crickets with no added flavors or junk. It is power-packed with proteins and other nutrients like Vitamin B12, Vitamin B2, Iron, calcium, and all 9 essential amino acids.
It has become a popular choice for athletes as a sustainable healthy protein.
Always buy cricket flour from reliable manufacturers for the quality and safety of the product.
Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your own healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional.
Editorial References And Fact-Checking
- Murugu, D. K., Onyango, A. N., Ndiritu, A. K., Osuga, I. M., Xavier, C., Nakimbugwe, D., & Tanga, C. M. (2021). From Farm to Fork: Crickets as Alternative Source of Protein, Minerals, and Vitamins. Frontiers in nutrition, 8, 704002. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2021.704002
- Kamemura, N., Sugimoto, M., Tamehiro, N., Adachi, R., Tomonari, S., Watanabe, T., & Mito, T. (2019). Cross-allergenicity of crustacean and the edible insect Gryllus bimaculatus in patients with shrimp allergy. Molecular immunology, 106, 127–134. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molimm.2018.12.015
- Stabler, S. P., & Allen, R. H. (2004). Vitamin B12 deficiency as a worldwide problem. Annual review of nutrition, 24, 299–326. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.nutr.24.012003.132440
- O’Leary, F., & Samman, S. (2010). Vitamin B12 in health and disease. Nutrients, 2(3), 299–316. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu2030299
- Mansueto, P., Seidita, A., D’Alcamo, A., & Carroccio, A. (2014). Non-celiac gluten sensitivity: literature review. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 33(1), 39–54. https://doi.org/10.1080/07315724.2014.869996
